T uesday, May 26, 2020. Issue 18.

This Week

On Thursday, May 28, we celebrate the double significance of Shavuot. Agriculturally, it marks the all-important wheat harvest in the  Land of Israel  ( Exodus 34:22 ), and spiritually it commemorates the anniversary of the day when God gave the  Torah  to the  nation of Israel  assembled at  Mount Sinai.
shavout
Jewish Engagement

Receiving the Torah on Mt. Sinai was a big deal. There we were, wandering through the desert, going from slavery to who knows what, and we get an instruction manual for life! Amazing.

Shavuot, beginning sundown Thursday, May 28, celebrates that moment. We study Torah all night, eat dairy (or faux dairy), and renew our obligation to feed the poor and hungry.
We’d love to know your favorite dairy or plant-based dairy recipes!
What does the obligation to feed the poor and hungry mean to you at this unique moment?

We wish you a sweet celebration filled with
inspiration, digestion, and revelation.
Cultural Arts & Trips
DESTINATION
Music
Some of our Cultural Arts Trips are highly focused on music, such as our The Best of Broadway: Mostly Musicals or our Exploring Opera: Santa Fe trips. Other trips to Paris, Spain, The Netherlands, Cambodia, and even Vietnam may have one or more evenings in the theater for a concert, recital, or other beautiful programs.

So, let me take you on a trip to visit or revisit various musical pieces while learning interesting tidbits about them along the way. You pick the genres of interest: Broadway, Pop, Opera, Classical....and there's always "Time for a Laugh." How can I take you there?
Join my eList to receive our Moments of Joy, Learning & Laughter.
Just email your name and email address to me at jsokol@marinjcc.org.
Adult Learning & Living
Learning Unlimited with Oak Dowling: Theranos
Thursday, May 28 - 1:00pm
Please join this free presentation on the legal case surrounding Elizabeth Holmes and Theranos.

Theranos was a privately held health corporation, initially touted as a breakthrough technology company, but subsequently infamous for its false claims to have devised blood tests that only needed very small amounts of blood. Founded in 2003 by then-19-year-old Elizabeth Holmes, Theranos raised more than $700 million from venture capitalists and private investors, resulting in a $10 billion valuation at its peak in 2013 and 2014.

This presentation is offered free of charge via Zoom by the Adult Living & Learning Department with Oak Dowling.

Click the button below and pre-register for this program. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Entertainment
Hollywood does Hollywood
Show business has excelled at looking at itself. From All About Eve and Sunset Boulevard to A Star is Born and The Big Picture. Documentaries on filmmakers and stars abound, including my favorite: 1995’s The Celluloid Closet. Some movies about the movies get it just right.

Lights...camera...action!
Hollywood
2020. Available on Netflix.
Just last month Netflix brought out a risky, sexually graphic seven-part series titled “Hollywood.” Created by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan, it uses a fascinating technique of mixing fact with fantasy. As a film historian, I know some of the lurid drama is reality based with characters like agent Henry Willson, Rock Hudson, and gas station owner Scotty Bowers. Half are people the filmmakers wished would have existed and won, including a female studio president, an African-American screenwriter, and a decent studio executive, all fighting for the best in cinema. Getting to the incredible final episode is worth the journey. Some had trouble with this series. I remain a fan.
The Player
1992. Available on Amazon Prime.
The Player vividly presents director Robert Altman/screenwriter Michael Tolkin’s view of filmdom. There’s a remarkable eight-minute tracking shot at the beginning, bringing us into the glamorous and treacherous world of a working movie studio. The man who runs it (Tim Robbins) is receiving anonymous threats in between hearing movie pitches and greenlighting films. A combination noir drama and wise satire, this is one not to miss.
Hollywoodland
2006. Available on YouTube and iTunes.
Hollywoodland finally tells us the truth about what killed actor George Reeves (TV’s Superman), a secret that I heard growing up and was glad to see at last partially put on film. Reeves, perfectly cast Ben Affleck, chose the wrong woman to have an affair with: the wife (Diane Lane) of Louis B. Mayer’s brutal studio executive Eddie Mannix (Bob Hoskins). A detective (Adrian Brody) shows up years later to try and get past the glitter into the guts of this torrid tale.
Trumbo
2015. Available on Amazon Prime and Netflix.
Trumbo introduces us to one of Hollywood’s most original and controversial screenwriters, Dalton Trumbo. During the McCarthy era, he is blacklisted along with many colleagues for his political beliefs. Brilliantly played by Bryan Cranston, this man of dignity and wit attempts to survive in Hollywood. John Goodman is very funny as a disgusting filmmaker, but it is Trumbo we root for all the way.


Give yourself a show biz film festival and enjoy!
Performing Arts
Memorable Moments

Memorial Day Weekend conjures up thoughts of road trips, good music, and time enough to curl up with a good book. Let me share some of what I thought about on this special weekend.
Hitting the road with family and friends

Like Late Night talk show host James Corden and Paul McCartney taking a carpool karaoke musical Beatles tour of Liverpool.
Enjoying music that relaxes and transports

Let’s listen to this amazing NPR Tiny Desk concert with Adele. She has an incredible voice, and the bare bones productions of these concerts are the perfect showcase for her true talent. I love this concert because it is up close and personal. Viewing it again during my shelter in place, I took the time to scroll through the new comments, which can be entertaining and add a new, comical perspective.
Curling up with a good book

It's a necessary luxury at any time. Are you in need of new book suggestions? Don't consult celebrity book clubs, instead support your local bookstores. They can help you find your next page turner. Bookstores are in the business of building a community, one page at a time.
Tikkun Marin Spotlight
Help us save lives
THIS THURSDAY,
May 28, 10-4 pm.

Healthy individuals are constantly needed now to help patients counting on lifesaving blood. On Thursday, May 28th, the Osher Marin JCC, Congregation Rodef Sholom, and The American Red Cross are partnering to host a blood drive at the JCC. Space is extremely limited, so advance registration is required.

To learn more or to sign up, go to  https://www.redcrossblood.org/   and use the code  MARINBLOODDRIVE  in the space that reads  Find a Blood Drive (upper right corner).

Each pint of blood we collect can help save up to three lives and will touch the lives of so many more.

This program is part of the Osher Marin JCC"s Tikkun Marin community service initiative.

Please note, the Osher Marin JCC continues to be closed to the public due to the coronavirus and will be closed for all other activities on that day.

To learn more about the safety protocols on the day of the blood drive,  click here .
Jewish Peoplehood
Turtleboy: A Conversation with Evan Wolkenstein
Wednesday, May 27, 7-8pm
FREE - Advance registration required
Join us in celebrating the publication of local author Evan Wolkenstein’s debut novel, Turtle Boy . An inspirational read that will make you laugh and cry, Turtle Boy was heralded by Publisher’s Weekly as “A masterful mingling of deeply resonant themes, including self-esteem, loneliness, loss, and the rewards of improbable friendships.” This book is intended for middle-grade (age 10 and up), but Wolkenstein’s exploration of isolation, resilience, and conquering fears make this a program that will resonate with all ages, particularly as we are all called upon to exist outside of our comfort zones in this time of sheltering in place. 
Click below to purchase
a copy of Turtle Boy .
Click below to read more in J Weekly's feature of Evan and Turtle Boy .  
Presented in partnership with Brandeis Marin, Congregation Rodef Sholom, and the Osher Marin JCC.
Health & Fitness
Marin JCC Virtual 5K Run/Walk Event!

Let's get moving together
even though we are apart.

Never run or walked a 5k? We've got you covered with a free two-week training plan. Want to run your fastest 5K? Again we've got you covered with free two- week training plan. And everyone who signs up for the 5K will be put into a drawing for prizes!

Prizes include:
  • 1 free month at the Marin JCC
  • 3 one-hour personal training sessions
  • Marin JCC gym bag

Go to Apple or Android app store and type in search bar " Marin JCC" to download on your smart phone.

Once you have your profile all set up, link your smart watch to the Marin JCC app and click on the  Challenge to enroll in the Virtual 5K Challenge.
Camp & Youth
Reading Wizards
For those of our campers who are reading and venturing into the magical world of Harry Potter, or for those who would simply like to revisit the stories , check this out:

The stars of the Harry Potter movies are now reading ' Harry Potter ' aloud for our enjoyment!
Early Childhood Education
Countdown to Shavuot with
Sesame Street!
Celebrate Shavuot with your favorite Sesame Street characters!
Development
Delicious, healthy, ready-to-heat meals delivered!

Exciting news! Stacy Scott Catering is known throughout Northern California and is synonymous with fine dining with a commitment to the community.

During shelter in place, Stacy has pivoted her private catering business to a meals-to-order service for all of Marin County. Stacy is providing delicious, balanced, ready-to-heat meals available for contactless pickup or delivery to your home.

And in the spirit of helping our community,  Stacy is generously donating 15% of all meal sales to the Osher Marin JCC during the week of June 1. 
 
Check out Stacy’s website for the complete menu and order online at stacyscottcatering.com.
Let's celebrate together!

June is just around the corner with many reasons to celebrate, including graduations and Father’s Day.

Perhaps you'd like to say hi to friends you haven’t seen for a while or thank a special person?

Though things look and feel different this year, it's even more important to stay connected and show your love.

We are so grateful to those of you who are helping our JCC
as you message your special someones (see Shout-Outs & Celebrations below).

Shout-Outs & Celebrations
Would you like to place a shout-out
into a future issue of this Virtual JCC?
Stay well, Friends.
We miss you!
Expect Issue #19 on Tuesday, June 2nd.